The BBC Proms, now in its 131st year, continues to be a cornerstone of England’s cultural calendar. Despite challenges faced by the BBC, including political scrutiny, financial strain, and a delayed arts budget, the Proms remain a symbol of musical excellence and accessibility. Originating in the Queen's Hall in 1895, the festival was founded by manager Robert Newman and conductor Henry Wood. It was later taken over by the BBC in 1927 after the Queen's Hall was damaged during the Blitz. Today, the Proms run from mid-July to mid-September and feature a wide range of classical music, as well as some other genres. The event is known for its affordable standing tickets, making it accessible to a broad audience. For those unable to attend in person, the BBC broadcasts every concert live, offering listeners the chance to enjoy the performances from home. Additional resources, such as expert commentary during breaks and archived recordings, are also available for later enjoyment. Throughout the festival, a wide variety of performances take place, including orchestras from around the world. This year, the New York Met Orchestra performed Mahler’s Fourth Symphony under the baton of Yannick Nézét-Séguin, while the Sinfonia of London offered a string concert conducted by John Wilson. Some Proms are also filmed for BBC 2 or 4, though the challenge of presenting classical music on television remains. Some productions have been criticized for using lighting and set designs that distract from the music. However, there have been notable exceptions, such as the premiere of Thea Musgrave’s bassoon concerto and a visually compelling performance by the National Youth Orchestra, conducted by Thomas Ades. The final days of the Proms are traditionally highlighted by performances of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. This year, the event was split between Mahler’s Ninth Symphony on radio and Dvorak’s Ninth Symphony on television. The BBC Symphony Orchestra, often referred to as the 'house band' of the Proms, delivered a particularly memorable performance of Dvorak’s Ninth Symphony, led by conductor Sakaro Oramo. His conducting was described as both joyful and sensitive, capturing the spirit of the piece. The last night of the festival, once a private celebration for season ticket holders, has evolved into a more public event marked by audience participation in the national anthem "Land of Hope and Glory." While this has become a point of contention, with some feeling it overshadows the music itself, efforts are being made to refocus the event on the art rather than the nationalistic elements. Following the final Proms concert, a Sunday evensong was broadcast from St. Sepulchre-without-Newgate, a church in London where the ashes of Henry Wood, the festival’s founder, are interred. The service featured a new composition by David McGregor, highlighting the continued legacy of the Proms and its deep connection to its origins. Despite ongoing challenges, the festival remains a vital cultural institution, celebrating the enduring power of music to unite and inspire.